image via bloomist happy tuesday friends! between instagram, pinterest, clients, people reaching out to me, and general web browsing, i stumble upon or am introduced to so many inspiring makers, artists + specialty shops. painters, textile artists, handmade goods, you name it. so i thought i’d start a weekly series introducing YOU to some of them! first up is an online shop called bloomist. i found them via someone on instagram, and of course am totally spacing on who it was. but oh my am i hooked! you can read more about their mission here but in a nutshell, they want more nature in more homes. they want you to create a calming environment in your home, steered by natural elements. and they’re inspiring you to do it by partnering with like-minded makers and artisans around the globe. perhaps the best part? you get unique and beautiful items and they donate to causes dedicated to helping the planet, as part of the Pledge 1% global movement. serious win win. image via bloomist and now, what you’re really here for! one / paper mache bowls sourced from villages in india {these aren’t intended for water but you could put a liner in if you wanted to display live plants or flowers} two / so into this dried tumblewood. three / dried natural canella adds a rustic touch in a soft golden tone. four / a super versatile vessel, this dark glazed vase is made by erin reitz of the shelter collection and inspired by santa fe adobe houses. five / i’ve been all about the simplicity of wood bead garlands but am completely obsessed with this version made from tunisian clay beads. six / sustainable stone frogs picked from honduran streams. these are crafted by atuto founder holland millis who works with makers in honduras. seven / i’m a sucker for handmade textiles and this shag pillow looks both chic and comfortable! it’s by maker MOLT, a guatemalan design studio founded by marissa galvez mont. eight / a simple bud vase from the shelter collection that will never ever go out of style. nine / garden collection candles available in lemongrass rosemary, african basil, cardamom + citrus geranium. these are hand poured soy wax candles made in maine. ten / light that candle with this beach stone match striker also crafted in maine. eleven / a pillow that goes with pretty much any design aesthetic, this 15 x 25” striped beauty is made by sien + co, a company working with artisan groups in peru and argentina to create sustainable home goods. bloomist is currently offering $25 off a $100 purchase with code BLOOM25 and 20% off any handmade vase with code HANDMADELOVE. what do you think?! and do you like the idea of a weekly series? #bloomist #mStarrdesign #weeklymaker #artists #makers #artisan

image via mcgee & co a quick valentine’s day post to let you all know that mcgee & co is about to kick off an awesome sale! in case you’ve been living under a rock, mcgee & co is the homewares and lifestyle shop started by uber talented design duo studio mcgee. and if you haven’t heard of studio mcgee, shame on you. kidding. sort of. but you’ve probably seen their work floating around instagram and pinterest and didn’t even realize it. starting tomorrow and running through february 23, the more you buy, the more you’ll save. spend $150 or more, get 15% off. $500+ get 20% off. $1000+ get 25% off. i’ve got a couple mcgee & co items in the house already and am eying a few more. below are some of my favorites but really i’ve bookmarked at least half the site over the past several months. everything is well made and nothing is overly trendy. in other words, almost everything they offer can truly stand the test of time. one / i’ve considered this side table for our living room. and still haven’t ruled it out! two / i have these rattan baskets scattered all around the house. they’re a chic, affordable + natural way to corral all the random items lying around. three / oh fallon cabinet, how i love thee… four / the color of this chair is just too good. five / a subdued way to incorporate florals. six / i’m considering using the extra large version as a DIY pendant light. will keep you posted… seven / this bistro double sconce could work in a variety of design schemes. eight / the matteo sideboard would work in a living room or dining room for extra storage and display. nine / mcgee & co teamed up with vermont’s farmhouse pottery for an exclusive collection and I WANT EVERY PIECE. ten / look for this pillow in our living room sometime soon… eleven / a little bit traditional but also feels contemporary. twelve / maybe someday we’ll move to a house that has ceilings higher than 7’ in the bedroom… thirteen / another farmhouse pottery collab, these beechwood bowls can serve multiple purposes. fourteen / a tripod side table in the perfect shade of teak. fifteen / a pop of muted color. sixteen / this light wood hourglass table has my heart. seventeen / a pendant inspired by french country design. and here is the fine print about the sale. 15% off of orders of $150 or more, 20% off of $500 or more, 25% off of $1000 or more. shipping not included in total cart amount. discount excludes gift certificates. not applicable to previous purchases. only one promo code per purchase; not combinable with any other offers or your to the trade discount. shipping and handling charges still apply. offer ends at 11:59 pm (PT) on 2/24/19. sale quantities are limited, and all sales are final on items with a price ending $.99. discount automatically applied to qualifying carts with codes ‘SAVE15’, ‘SAVE20’, and ‘SAVE25’.” happy shopping! #interiors #mStarrdesign #sale #mcgeeampco #interiorstyling #studiomcgee

images via wit & delight happy wednesday! i’m back with our next weekly makers post {if you missed our first post, check out bloomist here!} and today we’re featuring the wit & delight shop. the shop is a product of kate arends’ wit & delight lifestyle brand and offers original artwork and paper goods. w&d’s instagram is one of my personal favorites, the company’s studio is oozing with charm, their blog is full of inspiration, and kate’s house is just dreamy. their mission is simple: to help everyone “live a life well lived through products, experiences, and visual content.” images via wit & delight anyways, i’ve been deep into project update #farmhousedialfano art and keep coming back to wit & delight’s prints. not that their paper goods aren’t adorable {they are} but thought i’d share a roundup of some of their eye-catching artwork. w & d just started offering framing but you can still order just a print if you have a particular frame style in mind. check out more of their products here, follow on instagram, and be sure to join their mailing list for 10% off your fist purchase. check back for our next weekly maker post! better yet? don’t miss any of our posts by subscribing here. #shopwitampdelight #interiors #mStarrdesign #weeklymaker #artists #interiorstyling #artwork

burts bris please lauren conrad i’m very excited to kick off a new project: the #mstarrwestonnursery. and this is a very special one as the room is for one of my best friend’s baby boy, due this june! she lives in a beautiful home built in the 20’s and veers towards a more natural, vintage infused aesthetic. while we want the nursery to be unique, the design also needs to be able to grow along with baby and feel a part of the rest of the house. we’re thinking a palette of greens, ivories, and blues. the crib will most likely go up against this wall and i think said wall is just begging for some wallpaper, yes? and while we still need to finalize the layout, most likely the rocker/glider will go where that chair is right now along with some type of light, side table and ottoman. the room is currently painted grey and it might stay that way to allow for more colorful/patterned/textured accessories. we’ll probably keep the above layout about the same with the dresser/changing table where the storage unit is now and i’m thinking of some vertical wall storage to the right of the window where the mirror is. the door to the attic swings into that wall so it would have to be fairly narrow. maybe book ledges? this is the view from the doorway. the radiator is a bit of a hindrance but adding some height with a floor lamp {or sconce?} and maybe some artwork to the right of the window will make for nice visuals when walking in the room. we’re just starting the design process but i’ve rounded up some things that have caught my eye. one / two / three / four / five / six / seven / eight / nine / ten / eleven / twelve / thirteen / fourteen can’t wait to share more as this room comes together! #interiors #mStarrdesign #nursery #kidsrooms #interiorstyling

above / garvin and co below / studio mcgee after introducing you to the #mstarrwestonnursery last week, it occurred to me that i haven’t properly introduced another fun project i’m working on! read on to meet the #mstarrkruseplayroom PLUS i’d love your input on something at the end of the post! caitlin kruse is someone i became friendly with first when she was working for glitter guide and simultaneously working on her own blog, style within reach. she eventually transitioned style within reach to a more mom focused blog and continues to work on the mama notes full time. as a side note, her newsletter is great and if interested, you should follow her on instagram because she has the BEST ideas for kiddos and shares a lot of fun fashion finds. anyways, caitlin has two adorable little girls who have been patiently waiting for a new + improved playroom, and i was honored and excited when she reached out to help design the space! based on caitlin’s preferred aesthetic and desire for a playful but functional space, our vision for the room became: natural whimsy + feminine boho. the photos above show how the playroom currently looks. we are working on… / wallpaper for the wall where the artwork is now / a new rug / a DIY house-shaped chalkboard {inspired by studio mcgee in the image up top} to rest against the wall behind the table + chairs / new woven shades for the windows {this room doesn’t get a ton of natural light so i suggested a bamboo or similar material so it adds a nice visual but doesn’t feel too heavy or block too much light} / possibly painting the small round table / a dress up area in the corner {with the addition of that adorable mirror!} the IKEA play kitchen has recently received a makeover which you can see more of on caitlin’s blog! we’ve seen so many incredible kitchen makeovers {looking at you almost makes perfect} but ultimately decided that it wasn’t worth the time or money to go too crazy. caitlin ended up adding a “tiled” backsplash, new hardware, and some adorable accessories. and it looks great. above is a before and after of the closet in the room. as a sidenote, as someone who lives in an almost 200 year old home with no storage, i’m very jealous of this closet! caitlin worked with with a local organizer, susie salinas of systems by susie, who got everything organized and accessible for both the kiddos and the adults. you can read and see more about the makeover on the mama notes. i’m super excited to finish this room up and hopefully get down to maryland to style it all out with caitlin! but in the meantime, i’ve rounded up some of the products that we’re using and/or have inspired me for this space. marble hex peel + stick tile / black pulls {5” spacing} / maple ledge / swivel pinboard mirror / spice jar / starburst rug / black floral removable wallpaper / adjustable sconce / star flush mount light / wood hooks / daisy removable wallpaper and finally {you still with me?}, i’ve been thinking a lot about how much i enjoy designing kids spaces {playrooms, nurseries, kids bedrooms etc.} and sometimes wonder whether i might want to focus solely or primarily on them. but then i remember how obsessed i am with kitchens. and living rooms. and dining rooms. soooooo…what do you think?! i do think that kids rooms are always the most challenging for parents so there might be something to it. anyways, i’d love to know your thoughts so please comment below! and of course, if you’re looking for in person or e-design help with your kids rooms, please reach out. ps. i’ve been posting some behind-the-scenes stuff from this project over on instagram so be sure you’re following along. #interiors #mStarrdesign #playroom #interiorstyling #themamanotes

i’m back with the next installment of our weekly maker series {i skipped a week, sorry!} and today i’m introducing you to joinery, which is another company i stumbled on after falling down the instagram rabbit hole and i’m so glad i did! in their own words…”joinery is a place where all kinds of good things come together. it’s a collage of whimsy and restraint, an ode to vintage and a nod to experimentation, a mixture of the familiar with the exotic.” joinery started as a storefront in brooklyn in 2012 and eventually went 100% online with a focus on production of handmade textiles woven in their studio in brazil. but it’s not just their textiles! how good is that basket above? and stunning walnut bench?! and i must say that for handcrafted items, the pricing is surprisingly affordable {plus some items are on sale right now}. i just LOVE the look and feel of both their products and their website. the photography is utterly dreamy and earthy and really makes me want to buy everything. i love me some color but joinery truly nails the neutral game. i’ve rounded up some favorites below! rattan chair / cotton towel / woven hammock / espresso cup + saucer / serving spoon / pour over coffee set / olivewood salad claws / brass mirror / brass incense holder / brass hooks / toilet brush set / hinoki soap dish / shigaraki ceramic vase be sure to check them out on instagram! ps. are you liking these maker features? #joinery #weeklymaker #makers #smallbusiness #artisan

happy friday! the annual 25% off sale at lulu & georgia is underway and i would remiss if i didn’t share some of my top picks. as you may have read here, here, and here, i’m a big fan of l&g and have been fortunate to collaborate with them. rattan dining chair / oak bed / rida rug / wishbone dining chair / bethany chest / brass sconce / rana rug / rattan coffee table / olli ella kids suitcase / oak lounge chair / anewall floral mural / jimema ceiling fixture / jessie pillow happy shopping! ps. we have lots of lulu items in #farmhousedialfano…check them out here! disclosure / gifted items and sponsored content will be noted as such, and opinions are always my own. this post may contain affiliate links. if you purchase a product i’ve linked to, i may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. thank you for supporting the brands i support! #luluampgeorgia #mStarrdesign #sale

note: this is a post written in conjunction with the hubs. so you should totally read it… our home is a lovely one, full of charm. and also full of quirks. that’s par for the course with a house that’s almost 200 years old! in the past several months, we’ve noticed some things that either must be fixed or replaced {storm doors, porch paint} and some things that we’ve talked about updating on a bigger scale {appliances, new fencing}. while a bit overwhelming, it’s also given us some time to think about what we want for the house in 2019! as the primary design decision maker in the family, i thought it would be fun to get bill involved a bit more. as in this post. not in the design decisions, ha ha. anyways, i decided to ask him what he loves and dislikes most about this little house of ours, and what three things he’d like to see updated this year. BILL’S FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THE HOUSE 1/ the kitchen… “i love a big open kitchen“ 2/ the playroom… ”i think it is so cute, a great use of space, and i love that max is proud of it” 3/ our underused dining room + bar area {the underused part is legit…due to a lack of storage, our dining room is often a catch-all for items that don’t yet have a home or things that are in transition. but i’m working on it and since we never made any major changes to this room, i’m also working on making it a space i want to spend more time in…think wallpaper or paint, new dining table, chairs etc.} BILL’S LEAST FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THE HOUSE 1/ the stairs… “too old, steep and scary” 2/ lack of closet and storage space 3/ the downstairs bathroom is right off the kitchen *for the record, i agree with all of these* BILL’S TOP 3 THINGS TO UPDATE OR CHANGE IN 2019 1/ backsplash in kitchen {it’s happening! will share more soon but it involves fireclay tile and herringbone brick. insert happy face emoji} 2/ new appliances {our current appliances came with the house and are perfectly fine. we have a gas range and stainless finishes but they’re older and we now have a dishwasher that’s falling apart and an ice machine that doesn’t work consistently in the fridge. and let’s be honest, they’re not the best looking.} 3/ a major yard overhaul including cleanup, mulch + new fencing {we are so lucky to have a monstrous back yard with a good size front and side yard. it’s a lot to keep up with and the winter weather over the past couple years has wreaked havoc. we’re excited to focus on this!} and how do they compare to my lists? EMILY’S FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THE HOUSE 1/ the charm, from the ceiling beams to some original flooring 2/ max’s room. it’s the perfect mix of whimsical, calming and sophisticated {in my opinion}. 3/ that we finally put central AC in last year! EMILY’S LEAST FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THE HOUSE 1/ the mudroom is in the front of the house. we use the door in the back of the house. you can see the problem. 2/ lack of closet and storage space {see we agree! and it truly is the biggest problem we face.} 3/ the kitchen being separate from the dining and living rooms {BUT, i also like that rooms are separate because it’s more authentic to the old house. it just can be difficult when one of us is cooking and the others are 2 rooms away in the living room.} EMILY’S TOP 3 THINGS TO UPDATE OR CHANGE IN 2019 {ok it’s kinda more than 3} 1/ kitchen updates {backsplash, appliances, new cabinet fronts, new counters} 2/ finally figure out storage for the downstairs bathroom {bill uses this as his closet} and storage in the entryway/landing/hall spaces. a trip to IKEA is in our near future. 3/ the outdoors {repaint the back porch, clean the yard, organize the sheds and garage, new furniture etc. etc.} truthfully, we have no idea how long we’ll be here. it was built in the 1830’s and has been well-maintained over the years but i’m not sure it could ever be our forever home. if we want to stay in it for the next several years however, we’ll need to renovate as space is tight for our family, and will be more so as max gets older. lucky for us, the previous owners left behind renderings for some options they had drawn up before selling! for now, we’ll make our updates, big and small, and enjoy it. bring on the warm weather! #farmhousedialfano #interiors #mStarrdesign #houseupdates #makeover #farmhouse #interiorstyling #oldhouse

pinterest is back! ok so it never went away but it looks + feels better than ever to me and i’m really enjoying using it these days. i’ve always used it as a creative outlet and for organizational purposes {ie. clients and projects} and despite instagram being the social media app i spend the most time on {and have the most frustrations with}, pinterest is definitely the one i love the most! it’s just a visual feast and makes me feel inspired. i’ve been spending time every day to try and organize + streamline old boards, and have a ways to go but here’s what i’m pinning this week! are you following me? peruse boards such as kitchen, colour + kids rooms! AND, bonus: you can also easily shop my instagram photos in the mStarr shop. what about you guys? are you as into pinterest as i am again?! #creativestudio #mStarrdesign #pinning #pinterest

ATTENTION BOSTON-AREA FRIENDS! i think it’s safe to say that winter is officially behind us here in new england and we’re on to spring and summer! and if you’re anything like me, both seasons have me thinking about entertaining! about maxi dresses! about home decor updates! i’m very excited to be co-hosting an event at anthropologie legacy place in dedham this thursday, april 25th. i’ll be sharing some of my top home + fashion picks for summer alongside the anthro home and apparel stylists, plus i’ll show different ways to craft an effortless tablescape with help from wild folk studio. AND there will be boozy sips and snacks. the event is from 6-8p and tickets can be purchased here for $10. below are some things you just might see… please feel free to spread the word {thank you in advance} and i hope to see you at anthro on thursday! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in interiors, creative direction, editorial design and brand partnerships. if you’ve got a project, let us know! #mStarrdesign #WildFolkStudio #summerentertaining #dedham #mstarrevdesign #anthropologie #legacyplace #springentertaining #beccabrendlerphotography

i’m making these pinterest posts a weekly thing. because they get my creativity going + keep the ideas flowing, and hopefully they will do the same for you! below is some of what i’m pinning this week… wanna see more? follow along and peruse boards such as living, petals + plants, and tile! AND, bonus: you can also easily shop my instagram photos in the mStarr shop. mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in interiors, creative direction, editorial design and brand partnerships. got a project? let’s collaborate! #mStarrdesign #pinning #pinterest

one of the draws when we bought our house was the amount of outdoor space it has. there is a decent size front yard, 2 side yards, a small back porch {where we keep our bbq}, and a large fenced-in backyard with brick patio space. well the patio has become a catch-all for tables/chairs/kids toys/smoker in the past couple years but this is the year we finally are getting our act together and first up are a quality dining table and chairs. enter joss & main! 2014 2019 we moved in july of 2014 and with all the other expenses of first-time home ownership, we didn’t spend a lot on outdoor furniture. instead we got an affordable table and chair set from ikea that were nice enough looking and served their purpose but didn’t last long. this time we wanted to get something of higher quality to withstand the unpredictable new england weather and after perusing joss & main, i was immediately drawn to this solid teak style table with matching chairs. i love that the table is plank style but the spaces between them are thin. it’s a beautiful teak color that will naturally age with time {did you know that teak will eventually turn to more of a grey color?!}. however i might get a cover for when the weather is particularly bad as i’d like to keep some of the natural color! the design is perfect for casual dinners outside but can also be dressed up for nicer occasions or used as a buffet or drink table. BONUS assembly of the table was a breeze! the top is hinged so when winter comes, we can remove the legs and support beams and fold the top right up for easy storage. the chairs are simple but stylish and also fold easily. win win. add some simple + versatile pieces and voila, instant tablescape! emily ps. don't miss a post.subscribe to our newsletter! disclosure: this post is sponsored by joss & main. opinions are always my own. this post may contain affiliate links which means if you purchase a product i’ve linked to, i may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. thank you for supporting the brands i support+ for allowing us to be a source of inspiration! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction.we’d love to work with you! #farmhousedialfano #mStarrdesign #jossampmain #outdoorentertaining #outdoordining #makeover #sponsored

happy monday! below is what i’ve been pinning this week…hope they inspire you as much as they do me. wanna see more? follow along and peruse boards such as home, play space, and bathroom. BONUS: you can also easily shop my instagram photos in the mStarr shop! emily ps. don't miss a post.subscribe to our newsletter! disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product i’ve linked to, i may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. thank you for supporting the brands i support+ for allowing us to be a source of inspiration!f mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction.we’d love to work with you! #mStarrdesign #pinning #pinterest

happy sunday! better late than never on this post, right? i’m rounding up some items any mom is sure to love and should all arrive in time for next sunday. one a + one b / big fan of pretty much everything bloomist offers and these vases are no exception. also love their mission of getting more natural + artisan items into your home while participating in the pledge 1% global movement. read more about them in my weekly maker feature. BONUS: use promo code EARTH25 for $25 off your order of $100 or more. two / i am fairly desperate for a new bag that fits everything i need but works better for me as a mom + business owner on any given day. this mark & graham is a beauty and looks to fit the bill. SHIPPING: you can still get it monogrammed + delivered in time for mother’s day if you order by 11p PST tonight! non-monogrammed items can be ordered by 9a PST on may 8th and sent via regular shipping or by may 9th at 6p PST with rush shipping. three / this folding rattan chair + lounger is perfect for all mamas who deserve some relaxation time. BONUS: it’s available via amazon prime shipping. four / simone leblanc puts together the prettiest gift boxes. period. this is just one of them. SHIPPING: order by may 6th for fedex ground delivery or may 8th if you’re in california! five / it’s hard to express how in love with and inspired i am with jenni kayne’s new book pacific natural. BONUS: it’s available via amazon prime shipping. six / what mama doesn’t need stress relief, extra energy and increased focus? these plant-sourced moon juice capsules can give her just that. SHIPPING: order by may 6th at 11:59p PST for standard delivery or may 8th for expedited shipping. seven / a timeless “mama” tag necklace. BONUS: shopbop uses amazon prime to ship! eight / another bag i’ve had my eye on because everyone needs the perfect weekender and cuyana always delivers. SHIPPING: order by 9a PST on may 8th with 2 day shipping or 9a PST on the 9th with overnight shipping. nine / this sleeper jumpsuit is truly GREAT. BONUS: shopbop uses amazon prime to ship! ten / gift your favorite mom a monthly plant subscription from the sill, available in 4 planter colors. NOTE: the first shipment may not arrive in time for mother’s day. eleven / this woven tote is perfect for farmer’s market excursions or days at the beach. it’s made by artisans in madagascar and kenya from renewable materials. BONUS: shopbop uses amazon prime to ship. twelve / this ariel gordon x taylor sterling collaboration is a splurge that is worth every penny + will instantly become a family heirloom. thirteen / as someone who suffers from migraine symptoms, a stiff neck + increasingly sensitive skin, i can’t recommend this little guy enough. BONUS: it’s available via amazon prime shipping. fourteen / green beauty delivered to her door every month {available in various subscription options} via the detox market. she’ll receive one featured brand each month and at least $90 of green beauty products . happy shopping and happy mother’s day to all you amazing mamas out there! emily ps. don't miss a post. subscribe to our newsletter! disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product i’ve linked to, i may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. thank you for supporting the brands i support + for allowing us to be a source of inspiration! f mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction.we’d love to work with you! #mStarrdesign #gifting #giftguide #giftsforher #mothersday

let summer commence! it took us new englanders awhile to get here {we really don’t have spring anymore} but the nice weather is finally upon us and i. am. ready. as memorial day weekend approaches, a ton of sales have already kicked off and one i’m always excited about is the serena & lily sale. pretty much everything they sell and every space they touch is a total dream. lots of neutrals, organic textures, shades of blues. my s&l friends were kind enough to send me a set of the capri fouta towels and they are SO soft, SO cheerful + SO needed! hubs got a jeep wrangler last year and it inspired to take more spontaneous day trips. one time we ended up in the ocean on plum island and of course had no towels nor extra clothing but this year i shall be prepared! i plan to stock up on more of these towels in the sale…which begins today and runs through may 28. everything* is 20% off in stores and online with code SUMMERPREP so it’s the perfect time to snag anything you may have been eyeing, especially their outdoor furniture + accessories. i’ve rounded up some of my favorite outdoor + beach finds below…happy shopping! one / two / three / four / five / six / seven / eight / nine / ten emily ps. for my boston-area friends, a new serena & lily store is coming to chestnut hill. hooray! pps. don't miss a post.subscribe to our newsletter! *exclusions: final sale items, gift certificates, art and the limited-edition PUBLIC® C7 bike. disclosure / gifted items and sponsored content will be noted as such, and opinions are always my own. this post may contain affiliate links. if you purchase a product i’ve linked to, i may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. thank you for supporting the brands i support! disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product i’ve linked to, i may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. thank you for supporting the brands i support+ for allowing us to be a source of inspiration!f mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction.we’d love to work with you! #mStarrdesign #sale #shopping #memorialdaysale #serenaamplily

if you’ve been an instagram follower for awhile, you’ve no doubt seen countless posts + stories where i’ve talked about our desire to add a backsplash to the #farmhousedialfano kitchen. despite our home being from the 1830’s, the kitchen was a more recent addition and therefore we didn’t have to do anything other than some cosmetic and style-related updates. we even kept the paint color {a light blue} + the existing open shelving. but both bill and i always thought something was missing and that my friends, is a killer backsplash. thanks to a partnership with my friends at fireclay tile, it is FINALLY happening. and in just a few weeks! cue the digital fireworks! i actually feel that backsplash is too small a term because we’ve decided to tile pretty much the entirety of three walls. here’s where we are now here are a few photos that show the areas we’re tiling {excuse the mess but #reallife}. the first photo presented the biggest dilemma when deciding what to tile. the kitchen has a vaulted ceiling with beams {a much-appreciated touch in a house that otherwise has 7 and 8’ tall ceilings}. i went back and forth on whether to follow the natural ceiling line on the sink/fridge wall or to go alllll the way up. in reality it’s only another 40 square feet but ultimately decided to just follow the ceiling line all the way throughout the room. let’s hope i don’t regret the decision but we can always add! below you can see what we’re planning for the rest of the kitchen, in total we’re tiling 155 square feet. ok so the plan! herringbone. brick. i want a showstopper design but one that’s also timeless and appropriate for our centuries old house. i went back and forth {and back and forth} on what color brick to do…i knew i wanted something neutral to allow for my decorating whims and eventually narrowed it down to klamath and elk. elk being the warmer tone, klamath being the cooler. we {ok i} have decided to go with klamath as the glaze isn’t so heavy that you can’t see the natural variation of the brick and while it’s more of a cooler blue color, it doesn’t feel TOO cool. so here you go! a mockup of how it will look! we plan to swap out our existing white open shelving with a more natural wood and no brackets. what do you think?! i can’t tell you how excited i am for this. we’ve talked about doing it for SO long and i can’t believe it’s finally happening! a former colleague of bill + mine now has his own tile company so he’ll be installing! i’ll be sharing peeks and the whole process over on instagram so be sure you’re following along. and do stay tuned because there might be some other big changes emily ps. don't miss a post.subscribe to our newsletter! disclosure: this post is written in collaboration with fireclay tile, who is generously providing the tile for this project. this post may contain affiliate links which means if you purchase a product i’ve linked to, i may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. thank you for supporting the brands i support+ for allowing us to be a source of inspiration!f mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction.we’d love to work with you! #farmhousedialfano #mStarrdesign #mikecallahantile #fireclaytile #kitchentile #renovation

did you know the original mStarr was a jewelry business? i’ve always loved jewelry and started making it a few years out of college. i focused on gemstones, beads, and wirework mostly, and made a decent run of it for awhile. while my maker days are behind me, it’s a good time for jewelry in general! endless beautiful options so i’ve rounded up some of my current favorites below. one / i’m a big proponent of layering necklaces + i love that this crescent + star necklace from wanderlust + co is a two-in-one! two / statement wrapped hoops from anthro. three / a timeless signet ring from missoma that can be personalized. four / letter bead bracelets remins me of my youth {and in fact made something similar during my jewelry-making days!}. this one is for the littles in your life via the tot. five / i’m not actually coveting these dainty earrings from shop cupcakes & cashmere anymore because i treated myself to them in december. i wear them every day! six / LOVE this chain accessory from catbird. just attach to two earrings to create a whimsical look. seven / madewell never disappoints and you can’t beat the price point. eight / this is actually an anklet! for tiny humans! i see max rocking one this summer…via juljulgold on etsy. nine / love this sweet nod to my sign {gemini) by wanderlust + co. ten / a modern take on your standard hoops from anthropologie. eleven a + eleven b / i have loved these claus signet rings for so long now. they’re both beautiful but max’s middle name is rose so…. twelve / two pairs of earrings that are meant to be worn together but clearly shine on their own. from missoma. thirteen / the simplest of chain bracelets from anthropologie. i would wear just one but layering them would also look great. fourteen / another beauty from missoma, this long celestial necklace is out of this world {ha get it?}. fifteen / i wear a lot of rings {7 alone on my left ring finger!} and this classic stack from katie dean provides lots of versatility. sixteen / emily schuman wears this diamond necklace every day + i’ve come THIS close to buying it every day. seventeen / modern day friendship bracelets from madewell. emily ps. don't miss a post.subscribe to our newsletter! disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product i’ve linked to, i may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. thank you for supporting the brands i support + for allowing us to be a source of inspiration! f mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction.we’d love to work with you! #mStarrdesign #wanderlustco #missoma #jewelry #anthropologie #shopping #thetot #shopcupcakesampcashmere #katiedeanjewelry #etsy #clausjewelry #catbird #madewell

i hadn’t been on design*sponge in awhile but found myself there recently and stumbled upon their top 20 home tours of all time…and guess who’s included?? yup, #farmhousedialfano! earrlllyyy days #farmhousedialfano. our feature was in early 2015 and boy oh boy does the house look different. after going down memory lane i thought it would be fun to share some side-by-sides to show how the house looked then and what it looks like now. the changes are pretty crazy! the old design feels way less refined, is way darker, and much more mid-century slash i don’t even know? anyways without further ado… THE LIVING ROOM #farmhousedialfano living room / circa early 2015 on design*sponge / photo by joyelle west #farmhousedialfano living room / circa early 2015 on design*sponge / photo by joyelle west #farmhousedialfano now! #farmhousedialfano now! #farmhousedialfano living room / circa early 2015 on design*sponge / photo by joyelle west #farmhousedialfano now! #farmhousedialfano living room / circa early 2015 on design*sponge / photo by joyelle west #farmhousedialfano now! #farmhousedialfano now! gone is the ancient ceiling fan {we love our new fan!}, the blue sleeper sofa, the ikea side table, the bulky coffee table, the too small + too dark rug etc. etc. etc. etc. some things live on however! the framed guest book tags from our wedding, a tripod style floor lamp, the driftwood garland, stacked frames between the windows {though with new frames and new artwork here + here}. the disco ball! obviously the overall aesthetic is very different but it’s just so much brighter + happier right?! and certainly more designed. THE KITCHEN #farmhousedialfano kitchen / circa early 2015 on design*sponge / photo by joyelle west #farmhousedialfano living room / circa early 2015 on design*sponge / photo by joyelle west #farmhousedialfano now! #farmhousedialfano now! despite an overall different styling approach, the core of the kitchen has remained the same {exception being a new island}…until now! the fireclay tile backsplash is nearing completion {sneak here} and it’s INSANELY GOOD. better than i imagined or mocked up. there are also some initial plans for new appliances, cabinet + drawer fronts and fingers crossed, new countertops! you can read more about our plans here… MY FORMER OFFICE / CURRENT PLAYROOM #farmhousedialfano office / circa early 2015 on design*sponge / photo by joyelle west #farmhousedialfano office / circa early 2015 on design*sponge / photo by joyelle west #farmhousedialfano now! #farmhousedialfano now! this room has certainly seen the most + biggest changes transforming solely from my office to 90% playroom / 10% mStarr storage. those ikea shelves are still there {now strongly secured to the wall} and while some of those props + mementos remain, the bottom two rows are now dedicated to max’s toys. this room isn’t finished and probably will never be due to the constant rotation. THE DINING ROOM #farmhousedialfano dining room / circa early 2015 on design*sponge / photo by joyelle west #farmhousedialfano now! our dining room looks a little different but overall it’s very disappointing, ha. i decided that this is the year to finally make some changes! we plan to paint {which i think will make the biggest difference since we didn’t have time to paint before moving in and the grey is a bit drab} and we actually have a new custom dining table on the way {oval! natural wood!} which will nudge me towards getting new chairs, maybe a new light? i also want to move the black display piece {similar here} to where the bar cabinet is and put more of a buffet style piece {looking at this!}. MASTER BEDROOM #farmhousedialfano master bedroom / circa early 2015 on design*sponge / photo by joyelle west #farmhousedialfano now! well this is another room that doesn’t do much for me. i’ve talked about the odd shape + size before but i’ve made a little progress at least and it certainly doesn’t look the same as it did for the DS shoot! we’ve since upgraded to a king bed, got a proper headboard and bed frame, a rug i love, and new bedding {these sheets are worth every penny}. the room is totally fine for now but at some point i’d like to give it a little more love. fun to see the changes right? you can check out more of our original feature here and you can shop many of the current products in the house here: living room / playroom / kitchen / max’s room / master bedroom / dining room. be sure you’re following along on insta to see updates on the kitchen tile! emily ps. don't miss a post.subscribe to our newsletter! disclosure: this post may contain affiliate links which means if you purchase a product i’ve linked to, i may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. thank you for supporting the brands i support + for allowing us to be a source of inspiration! f mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction.we’d love to work with you! #farmhousedialfano #feature #mStarrdesign #designsponge #hometour

happy birthday america! hot dogs, beer, fireworks and…sales! so many sales. i’ve rounded up some of the best ones so whether you’re in the mood for home decor, fashion, or kids-related goodies, you’re covered. act fact though, many end tonight! LULU & GEORGIA ends today / 20% off everything* / use code JULY4 my favorites here *some select exclusions SERENA & LILY now through july 8th / 20% off everything / use code GOCOASTAL snag these…balboa dresser / dip dyed stool / harbour crane bed / palisades chair ARTICLE now through july 8th / up to 30% off certain items / no code needed snag these…latta table / rumi chair / ora table MCGEE & CO now through july 8th / free shipping + 20% off all lighting / use code FIREWORK snag these…triple arm chandelier / arlo chair / la messina rug / cosette chair ANTHROPOLOGIE limited time / up to 50% off select furniture / no code needed snag these…burnished wood coffee table / betania side table / linen haverhill chair / kalmar ten tier shelf WEST ELM ends today / 20% off */ use code JULY4TH snag these…belgian flax linen sheets / playa outdoor reversible sectional / pedestal outdoor coffee table / 6 drawer changing table *some select exclusions WORLD MARKET now through july 6th / 10% off online or world market rewards non-members, 20% off for members online and in stores / members use code WMJULY4, non-members use code HAPPYJULY4 snag these…vallarta outdoor dining table / dehra rug / kenji rattan chair THE TOT now through july 7th / extra 30% off most sale items / use code FOURTH snag these…banwood balance bike with helmet / fin & vince tie tank top / oeuf linen blouse SHOP CUPCAKES & CASHMERE now through july 7th / 25% off everything* / use code JULY snag these…tortoise barrettes / emma earrings / aerosmith crop tee *some select exclusions MADEWELL ends today / 25% off summer essentials in store and online / use code FIREWORK snag these…ruffle sleeve tank / flagstaff stripe tie jumpsuit / emmett wide leg cropped pants / beach cover up pants LOU & GREY extra 50% off sale items / no code needed snag these {i did!}…strappy linen jumpsuit / crinkle plaid jumpsuit J.CREW now through july 5th / 40% off full priced styles in store + online / use code FIREWORKS snag these…eyelet maxi dress / convertible bag / gingham ruffle dress / girls tiered seersucker dress CREDO not technically a sale but clean beauty site credo is giving a free gift pack worth $75 with every order over $125 snag these {all part of my everyday routine}…oil cleanser / balancing hypo tonic / barrier lipid complex {perhaps my all-time favorite product!} LL BEAN ends today / 20% off order plus up to 60% off sale items / use code JULY4 snag these…h2off raincoat / zip top boat & tote {beach must have!} / small batch canvas bean boot lastly, i think it’s important to mention that it’s difficult to celebrate today when so many awful things are happening at our border and around this country. we are better than this and it’s time for change. for anyone interested in making a difference, whether small or big, please consider donating to planned parenthood, RAICES or any organization that means something to you. well there you go. i said my peace. enjoy the holiday celebrating however feels appropriate to you! emily ps. don't miss a post.subscribe to our newsletter! disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product i’ve linked to, i may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. thank you for supporting the brands i support+ for allowing us to be a source of inspiration! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction.we’d love to work with you! #mStarrdesign #4thofjuly #shopping #sales #july4th

yes i know amazon is the devil blah blah and yes i use it for absolutely everything. and i’m sure many of you do too. our prime membership pays for itself and then some…the deals, the variety, the accessibility, and the free shipping make it an integral part of our lives. plus getting deals at whole foods now is a nice bonus*! prime day, amazon’s shopping event that offers prime members deals that last up to 36 hours, is officially underway and i’ve rounded up some items {some of which i own or currently have in my cart}…note that some of these are on sale and some are prime day launch items. i’ve also added this roundup to my amazon storefront. check it out! emily ps. prime day is only for prime members so if you’re not signed up, you can do so here. pps. don't miss a post.subscribe to our newsletter! *i got a $10 amazon credit the other day for shopping at whole foods! not sure if it’s still active but worth checking out if you shop there. disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product i’ve linked to, i may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. thank you for supporting the brands i support + for allowing us to be a source of inspiration! f mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction.we’d love to work with you! #amazon #mStarrdesign #amazonprime #amazonprimeday #shopping #wholefoods #deals